Trouble with 44 Spl primers backing out

[Longshot1]

Hey guys, I need some input on a SAA 3rd Generation, 82-33 vintage, 44SPL that seems to have a pressure problem. When fired, it will have one or more primers that back out far enough that it is difficult to rotate the cylinder. This has occured the two times it has been to the range. The first time was about a year ago and the second was yesterday. The first trip I shot it with some of my loads. New brass, 240 gr SWC, .429 in. I don't remember the powder but I do remember starting off with a load that was on the lower end of recommended loads for the 44 Special. Yesterday's loads were some that a friend put together. The brass was relatively new with tight primer pockets. Measured after the trip to the range, the brass was a tiny bit shorter than specs. The load was 5.4 grains of W231, not a heavy load. Again the bullet was a 240 gr. SWC sized to .429. I believe the primers to have been WLP in both cases. This does not happen on every chamber. I have not fired it enough to determine if it is same chambers doing it. Yesterday the first five rounds had three primers protruding. The second five had one. Having said all of the above it doesn't seem that loose primer pockets, case length, hot loads or oversized bullets are the cause. I'm stumped at this point and would appreciate someone pointing out the obvious to me... Thanks in advance for your input.

[smkummer]

The reason I state this is because I just sent my 1980 vintage Colt SAA 44 special to Colt because it was loose. With the cylinder out, see if the circular recoil plate moves. If it does that is most likely your problem as it will allow the primers to back out. The charge was $70 that included return shipping.

[Longshot1]

Just looked at the recoil plate which does not appear loose. It does appear to be set back in the frame just a little. When I ran my finger accross the recoil plate I could feel some indention. I checked some of my other SAA's and they all feel flush so that could very well be the problem. I think a call to Colt is in order. Thank you very much. I really appreciate your feedback.

[Ken S]

Check the barrel/cylinder gap. .004 is about normal if I remember. It could be a headspace problem. Probably not the ammo.
Let me see if I get this right.
1. gun fires, primer backs out
2. gun recoils, pushes case back, primer is pushed back in.

I had an expert tell me that once about the same problem. If the headspace is off, #2 will not happen, and gun locks tight.

Gunsmith time whatever the cause. I'd have him put in a new cylinder bushing, check and restore cylinder gap, and put in a new firing pin bushing. Nothing is major, or expensive, just upkeep. good luck...Ken

[smkummer]

Dry fire the gun and see if the recoil plate moves foward. It should not.

[Longshot1]

Cylinder/barrel gap is .005. Lockup is tight. I can detect no movement of the recoil plate upon dry firing with the cylinder removed. I'm not the original owner of the pistol but, from the looks of the face of the cylinder it has been fired very little. If the original owner had the same problems with primers backing out, I doubt if a full box of shells has been through it. So far the one fly in the ointment seems to be the somewhat recessed recoil plate.

[Ken S]

Ok, that probably is the problem. If the recoil plate is even slightly recessed, the primer is backing out to it. The primer backs out each shot and is stopped only by the breach, in this case the plate.
because it's slightly recessed, the primer is backing out, and then when the cylinder goes to revolve, it hits the edge and stops. I'd put in a new plate.

Fire the gun, but don't try to turn the cylinder. Take the cylinder out, as best you can, and examine the fired shell against a shell that is just primed and not fired. Look at the debth of the primer. If the fired primer is sticking out, that is the problem. You could examine a primer that you fired and tried to revolve, but it stuck. If you see a mark on the side of the primer, a scrape, than that prooves it.

[Longshot1]

FYI I called Colt this AM. They suggested I send it to them "for evaluation" so, that's what I'm going to do. Will wrap tonight and ship tomorrow. Will post the outcome when I get it back.

[PonyLover]

LS1,
I had the same problem with a NF SAA. It backed the primer into the recoil shield so far I had to drive the cylinder sideways with a wooden hammer to get it out. Sent it back to Colt and had it back in a week. Fastest turnaround time in history, I think.

One other thing you might try. Fire a hotter load and see if the primer resets in the case. Your light loads may not be making the case rebound against the shield hard enough to reset the primer.

Good luck!

[Longshot1]

Shipped the SAA to Colt on the 23rd of March. Per Fedex tracking they received it. Have not heard from them as of today, 4-12-10. Will be interesting to find out if I have any charges for repairs. In my mind the recoil plate is the problem as it was clearly recessed. That, again in my opinion, is a factory defect and not something caused by wear or abuse.